$9,000 to national nonprofit Common Voices, an advocates’ coalition for individuals who have been directly affected by fire (accepted by board members Gregg Huennekens and John Viniello, both recipients of the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s Golden Sprinkler Award)

Committee Members and Participants anjoy a great day!

Money was raised through sponsorships, primarily from members of the fire sprinkler industry, live and silent auctions, and prize raffles. In the past 19 years, the event has raised nearly $1.3 million for burn survivors.

Event chair Fred Kroll, United States Alliance Fire Protection, says he and the event committee members were very excited about the success of the event. “With a nearly 30% increase in fundraising from last year, we exceeded our expectations for this year. Through the generosity of those who participate, we have been able to continue expanding our charitable giving to organizations for burn survivors not only in Illinois, but also nationally,” says Kroll.

Guest speakers included Ron Kittle, former Chicago White Sox baseball player, and Jamie Nieto, burn survivor and PGA golf professional at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Nieto spoke about his experience as a burn survivor. After receiving third-degree burns to over half his body, he was told he would never be able to golf again. Instead of giving up, he successfully proved his naysayers wrong. He credited some of the IBPA-supported burn survivor organizations for helping him cope with his injury and motivating him to professionally golf.

Master of Ceremonies Tom Cruise with Fred Kroll

“Jamie Nieto’s life story illustrates how burn survivors can overcome their injuries and achieve their dreams through assistance from the wonderful organizations the Illinois Burn Prevention Association supports,” notes Kroll.

“Next year, we will celebrate 20 years of making a difference in the burn survivor community,” adds Kroll.

Photos

August 6, 2010

Burn Prevention Golf Outing Raises More Than $65,000 for Charities

More than $65,000 was raised at the 15th Annual Burn Prevention Golf Invitational, which was held June 21st at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois. The event is organized by the Illinois Burn Prevention Association. Money raised from this year’s event was donated to various organizations and included $30,000 to “Camp I Am Me,” $30,000 to the Burn Center at Loyola University Medical Center and $5,000 to the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s (NFSA) educational funds. Dr. Art Stanford, Loyola Burn Surgeon says, “We continue to be so very grateful for the hard work, dedication and incredible friendship shown by the Illinois Burn Prevention Association. This group makes such a difference in helping us to deliver state of the art care to our patients – they really represent the best of what a community can achieve.”

Actor and comedian George Wendt was the guest speaker. A Chicago native and 1975 alumnus of The Second City, Wendt talked about his experiences on the set of Cheers where he starred in his signature role as Norm Peterson from 1983-1993. Wendt has also made numerous appearances on Saturday Night Live and has written a book titled Drinking With George. All those who participated received a copy of Wendt’s book, which George autographed following his presentation. Wendt also donated a personalized autographed Bears ‘Wendt’ jersey, which was auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Funds for this event were raised through sponsorships primarily from members of the fire sprinkler industry, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Over 117 golfers participated in the event. The event has raised more than $965,000 over the past 15 years for Illinois children who have survived burn injuries and attend “Camp I Am Me.”

A Split-the-Pot Golf Ball Drop raffle was also held in which players bought numbered golf balls to see whose would fall closest to a designated hole. Shortly before the golfers began play, 81 golf balls were dropped from a 40-foot lift truck donated by United Rentals.

“The Illinois Burn Prevention Association has been one of our longest-running supporters with almost $1,000,000 in donations over the last 15 years,” said Mike Figolah. “Our organizations have very similar goals – To Prevent Fire and Burn Injuries. The Illinois Fire Safety alliance is funded almost entirely from donations. Burn Camp exists today because of generous donors like the IBPA. We are very appreciative or our partnership with the IBPA members. They’re contributions make it possible for many children to attend Camp I Am Me at no cost to their family. The Illinois Burn Prevention Association should be proud of their industries accomplishments with the prevention of fires and burns; and their support of kids when there is a failure to prevent a horrific accident.”

Cary Nicol, Chairman of the Illinois Burn Prevention Association adds, “In a year when our entire industry continues to struggle to cope with today’s difficult economic conditions, it is incredibly gratifying to be part of an organization like IBPA. To be able to contribute $65,000 given today’s climate is a testimony to the organization, and our industry.”

Burn Prevention Golf Outing Raises More Than $70,000 for Charities

More than $70,000 was raised at the 14th Annual Burn Prevention Golf Invitational, which was held June 9th at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois. The event is organized by the Illinois Burn Prevention Association. Money raised from this year’s event was donated to various organizations and included $25,000 to “Camp I Am Me,” $40,000 to the Burn Center at Loyola University Medical Center and $5,000 to the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s (NFSA) educational funds.

Denis Savard, 17-year NHL veteran with the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning (1980 – 1997), was the guest speaker. Denis was also the 36th head coach for the Chicago Blackhawks (2006 – 2008) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13, 2000. Denis donated a personalized autographed jersey, which was auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Funds for this event were raised through sponsorships primarily from members of the fire sprinkler industry, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Over 110 golfers participated in the event. The event has raised more than $900,000 over the past 14 years for Illinois children who have survived burn injuries and attend “Camp I Am Me.”

A Split-the-Pot Golf Ball Drop raffle was also held in which players bought numbered golf balls to see whose would fall closest to a designated hole. Shortly before the golfers began play, 100 golf balls were dropped from a 40-foot lift truck donated by Time Savers Inc. of Elmhurst, Illinois.

“The Illinois Burn Prevention Association is an invaluable partner in helping our Burn Center achieve its mission,” said Peggy LaFleur, Director of Development, Loyola University Health System. “The IBPA golf outing planners are tireless in their efforts to raise funding for our burn program and have been instrumental in helping us obtain state-of-the-art equipment and advance burn care through research support.

“We are incredibly blessed to have such committed people working on behalf of burn patients,” added LaFleur. “It is very inspirational to see the fire protection industry band together in support of such a selfless goal – we just cannot thank them enough.”

Cary Nicol, Chairman of the Illinois Burn Prevention Association adds, “In these tough economic times, we are still fortunate enough to have so many people who are willing to support our cause and make it so successful year after year, both financially, and of course, through volunteer work to organize the event.”

Burn Prevention Golf Outing Raises More Than $155,000 for Charities

More than $155,000 was raised at the 13th Annual Burn Prevention Golf Invitational June 10th at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton. The event is organized by the Illinois Burn Prevention Association. Money raised from this year’s event was donated to various organizations including $52,000 to “Camp I Am Me,” $90,000 to the Loyola University Medical Center – Burn Center and $15,000 to the NFSA Educational fund.

Jim Miller, Chicago Bears former quarterback was the guest speaker. Miller donated a personalized autographed football and footballs autographed by several current Chicago Bears players, which were auctioned off to the highest bidders.

Funds for this event were raised through sponsorships primarily from members of the fire sprinkler industry, live and silent auctions and a raffle. Over 190 golfers participated in the event. Over the past 13 years, this event has raised more than $815,000 for burn injury survivors.

This year a Split-the-Pot Golf Ball Drop raffle was held. Players bought numbered golf balls to see whose would fall closest to a designated hole. Shortly before the golfers began play, 163 golf balls were dropped from a 40-foot lift truck donated by Metrolift, Inc. of Sugar Grove, IL. The winner graciously donated his winnings back to the charity.

“The Illinois Burn Prevention Association has been a tremendous ally to and supporter of Loyola’s Burn Center,” said Rob Barto, Executive Director, Development, Loyola University Medical Center. “The committee members that plan the event put in a lot of hard work and dedication hosting an outstanding event, and raising much needed funds for the burn program. I thank each member of the committee, and every individual and corporation that supports and participates in this outing. This is a wonderful example of the fire protection industry supporting those who are directly impacted by the dangers of fire. The patients that Loyola provides care for have benefited greatly from the IBPA’s efforts, and it is a privilege to be associated with them.”

Event Chair Amos Miner, United States Fire Protection, said he and the event committee members are very excited about how successful the event was. “We exceeded our expectations this year. In a difficult economy our sponsors and participants really came through for us. We are very fortunate to have people willing to lend their support to the IBPA and our charities in the tough times as well as the good times,” said Miner.

Next year’s new event chairman is Cary Nicol, Viking SupplyNet. Cary is looking forward to the challenge. “We have great momentum and I have no doubt Cary will keep it rolling!” said Miner.

Golf Outing Raises More Than $110,000 for Charity

More than $110,000 was raised at the 12th Annual Burn Prevention Golf Invitational June 12th at the Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton. The event is organized by the Illinois Burn Prevention Association.

Richard L. Gamelli M.D., Loyola University Medical Center-Burn Unit, was the honorary guest. Dr. Gamelli’s guest was Tim Gould, a former burn unit patient, who talked about his experience suffering from severe burns.

Funds for this event were raised through sponsorships primarily from members of the fire sprinkler industry, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Over 200 golfers participated in the event. Over the past 12 years, this event has raised more than $675,000 for Illinois children who have survived burn injuries and attend “Camp I Am Me.” Money raised from this year’s event was donated to various organizations including $45,000 to “Camp I Am Me,” and $55,000 to the Loyola University Medical Center – Burn Center and $10,000 to various burn prevention programs.

“The Illinois Burn Prevention Association’s support has been very meaningful,” said Rob Barto, Interim Executive Director, Development, Loyola University Medical Center. “It’s increased support is very much appreciated and beneficial to the burn patients; children, men and woman who are served by Loyola and are generously helped through new equipment and programs. Loyola’s relationship with the Illinois Burn Prevention Invitational continues to be a wonderful example of how the fire protection industry gives back to the community. We’re grateful to be associated with this event and we thank them.”

This year’s event chairman, Amos Miner, United States Fire Protection said he and the event committee members are very excited about how successful the event was. “Our sponsors and donors are the ones who really make it possible to raise the money that we do. I appreciate their help in allowing us to make the contributions to the worthy charities supported by the IBPA,” Miner said.